Switcharoo

My switch from summer to fall decorations. Enjoy.

Not Now?

You think your word or deed is very small, That what you say will hardly count at all;
But God can take the seed that you have sown, And nourish it until it’s fully grown. —Hess


     I went to a memorial service yesterday for a woman who was known for sharing the Good News with whomever she met and wherever she went. I have a friend, Nancy, who is also a diligent spreader of the gospel. She talks with people, passes out tracts, been a Teen Mission leader and gone on numerous mission trips. I've been with her at times where she starts sharing with someone and I must admit thinking 'not now, Nancy.' One specific time was at Saddlecreek restaurant and the waiter was trying to take our order. Nancy started asking him questions. I thought 'now, Nancy, really?'  It was a selfish thought because I had food on my mind. I do know he received a Bible later that week but God took it from there. The seed was planted. The harvest is His.
     Good for Nancy in being an example to me and the others at the table. There is no wrong place or time to share with others the choice for eternity. So if not here, WHERE? if not now, WHEN? if not you, WHO?

No Fear

 Proverbs 3;25-26  ''Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,  for the LORD will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.''


     This is for my friend who is leaving for a trip to the Grand Canyon on a motorcycle. Trust in the Lord and His protection are the most important things she is taking with her. His control over all things is a reassuring, comforting thought as they travel so far from home. The prayer circle of friends petitions for their safety on the trip as well as for things being okay at home while they're away. They are not alone on that bike. God is in the invisible sidecar, right at their side, guiding them all the way. Have fun you two. See you soon.

Listening

    James 1;19 '' My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak''


     I copied the following from one of my devotionals today, which inspired this blog. ''Talking is sharing but listening is caring. Take a tip from creation.  Ears aren’t made to shut but the mouth is. Put away your sermon, save your advice and just listen. Sometimes the best gift a friend can offer is a listening ear.''
     People often have to listen closer to what I'm saying because I talk so softly. In general tho, are you a good listener?  I think eye contact is a very important part of listening. It shows you are focused on what the speaker is saying. Are you really listening or just waiting for them to finish, so you can say your two cents worth? Proverbs 18:13 'To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.'  I know I'm guilty of this, especially when I don't agree with what's being said. I could probably respond better in all discussions if I would listen to the whole thing. Sometimes though, no response is needed or wanted, we just want to vent. That's when a good phone call or visit with a friend is the best solution. Saying 'I know what you mean' or 'I understand' is all you need to hear.
     You can close your eyes and close your mouth, but the ears are always open. So listen up but with that being said, be careful what you listen to also.

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Let It Shine

"In the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world."
Philippians 2:15

 

     The dark is scary. How comforting it is to a child to just have a little night light to go to sleep at night. It's not much but they know its there. We, too, have a little light inside each of us that comforts, guides and protects us. How brightly we let it shine in our lives is up to us. I do think we have an aura around us that can project a sense of light or darkness.  Darkness is everywhere and if you block the light, it shows itself in the form of a shadow. God's light will shine through you if you accept Him. Sharing how God has worked in your life is a bright light to others. John 8;12    'Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  One day there will be no more darkness but until then, don't hide in the shadows,  let your light shine brightly.

40th party

Here are a few pictures of my 40th birthday party for those of you not on facebook.  It was a great time of 32 friends, barbeque, cake, and music. If I'd known 40 was so great, I'd done it a long time ago..lol.

Friends Change

     'You don't have to change friends if you realize friends change.'  Have you heard that before? We all change hopefully as we mature and grow into new stages of our lives. For example, whether you've been over time blessed with a family of your own or been struck by sickness or injury, we must be accepting of that change. Thoughts like 'geez, can't you go out alone?' or 'its just not like it used to be' can be detrimental to a 'true friendship.'
     Two friends, I'll call A and B, that I grew up with are an example of this. Friend A has accepted my physical changes over the years but yet can talk to me as if I hadn't changed at all. I see her kids as just an extended part of her now. Friend B lived down the street from me 9 of the past 10 years and yet hasn't stopped by once, with invitation. Through talk from others, I know how her life has changed. I'd rather not be friends than to be fake friends.
     I know its easy to grow apart and distance can sometimes interfere but I encourage you to stay in touch with your true friends. Realize tho their demands in their lives may have changed, be understanding and accomadating to those needs.

Fine at Forty

Psalm 139;14   I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

     Well I made it thru the night and the transition went smoothly, I made it to 40.  Alot of people may think I don't look 40 but unlike Obama I have the birth certificate to prove it, ha. I see people on television and think 'good grief, I'm older than them?'  I know that God made my small frame and weak muscles with a purpose in mind and not just to make life more challenging for me. My strength is not physical but is from Him and that's all I need to keep this 40yr old spirit going.

30's End Today

     Well today I am 39 for the last time, tomorrow is the big 4-0. My thirties have certainly been one of change, growth and maturity. The start of the decade was rough but overall its been good. I've met people, now friends, that I wish I'd known sooner but it feels like I have known them forever. I've gotten to travel... Mexico 4 times, Las Vegas, Nashville, Branson, and Texas many times. Many memories made. [pictures at the end] I've become a member of a church that I consider a big part of me. I have lost 3 pets along the way but gained 3 more.  As my disease is progressive, I have become physically weaker but stronger spiritually. To quote John Piper, “Only one life, twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.''   So heres to the next decade, may it bring glory to Him in what we make of it together.

Seeing Pain

     Oh how I hate to see others in pain. I am a 'want to fix it' type of person. You can see discomfort in one's eyes, body movements or just feel it in your heart. Sometimes its an easy fix, like readjusting someone's pillow in bed for them, but often it's only fixable by God's power through prayer.
     I took my dog, Brandi, to the vet once and they cut her nails. No big deal, right? They cut too much, she cried and it bled. I'm used to blood from working at the lab but this was my baby dog's blood. I started passing out and they had to take me out. I know it sounds silly. Just seeing my loved one in pain hurt me to the core.
     This blog is for my friends/loved ones that are hurting tonight. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sometimes the best advice needs no words